CIRCUMSTANCES OF LOSSOn 1 November 1942, the First Battalion 5th Marines crossed the Matanikau River and attacked Japanese positions in the vicinity of Point Cruz. Company A held the flank along the coast and, after a ninety minute fight, reached their objective at the base of Point Cruz. Privates Charles Ludwig and John Monaco were killed in the advance.

The following day, thirty Marines from 1/5 were buried in the field at a site 400 yards west of Point Cruz and 600 yards from the beach. Only seven were recovered after the battle; the remainder, including Privates Ludwig and Monaco, were classed as non-recoverable.

INDIVIDUAL DECORATIONSPurple Heart

LAST KNOWN RANKPrivate

STATUS OF REMAINSBuried in the field.“about 400 yards West of Point Cruz, about 600 yards inland from the sea.”